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You've Discovered the Bullis School Solar System! This website accompanies physical markers found on Bullis' campus. Click here to learn more!
Saturn was formed 4.5 billion years ago!
Saturn was formed 4.5 billion years ago!
Saturn was created some 4.5 billion years ago when gravity drew spinning gas and dust into the solar system, forming this gas giant. Saturn settled into its current location in the outer solar system, where it is the sixth planet from the Sun, some 4 billion years ago. (NASA)
Galileo Galilei first observed Saturn in 1610!
Galileo Galilei first observed Saturn in 1610!
Galileo Galilei, an Italian scientist, was the first to observe Saturn with a telescope in 1610. He was surprised to see two objects on opposite sides of the globe but little did he know those were Saturn's Rings. (Space.com)
How Did Saturn Get Its Name
How Did Saturn Get Its Name
Saturn has been recognized since ancient times as the furthest planet from Earth detected by the naked eye. Saturn was one of 7 objects in the sky that the Romans identified. They named each of the planets after their most significant gods. Saturn, the god of wealth and agriculture. Saturn was also the father of Jupiter which fit well because Saturn was the most distant planet they could see. (NASA)
How Did Saturn Form?
How Did Saturn Form?
Like the other planets, Saturn formed from the solar nebula 4.5 billion years ago. Saturn was formed by gravity pulling in swirling gas and dust together forming this gas giant. Saturn is mostly made up of Hydrogen and helium. Saturn settled into its current location in the outer solar system, where it is the sixth planet from the Sun, some 4 billion years ago. Saturn has insane storms and winds that can reach up to 500 meters per second. This is why when looking at Saturn you see faint stripes and jet streams. The storms can get so bad that about every 30 earth years the 'the great white spot' occurs. The great white spot is when multiple storms occur that are so large we can see them on Earth with a telescope. (NASA)
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